By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
Officials at Furniture Row Racing and 5-Hour ENERGY announced on Wednesday that they would not be returning as a sponsor to the No. 78 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series entry piloted by 2017 Champion, Martin Truex Jr. in 2019.
5-Hour ENERGY informed Furniture Row recently that they would be ending their relationship in NASCAR after the 2018 season
“I want to first send a sincere thank you to everyone at 5-hour ENERGY for being an excellent and loyal partner,” Joe Garone, president of Furniture Row Racing said. “The way 5-hour ENERGY has activated its programs over the years demonstrated a commitment and creativity as a NASCAR race team sponsor. We understand that companies do change business strategies, but friendships last forever and that’s how we feel about 5-hour ENERGY.”
“Being a perennial championship contending team with a talented driver in Martin, Furniture Row Racing continues to be committed in offering a new sponsor not only success on the racetrack but also the benefit of a strong marketing platform with our powerful team of partners – Bass Pro Shops, Auto-Owners Insurance, Toyota, Furniture Row and Denver Mattress.”
“Since joining Furniture Row Racing in 2017, the team has delivered on every promise,” said Rise’ Meguiar, President of Sales for 5-hour ENERGY. “In addition to being a championship team, winning races and putting 5-hour ENERGY in victory lane multiple times, they have also become part of our family. We cannot thank Barney Visser, Joe Garone, Martin and the entire Furniture Row Racing team enough for the pride they have given us. They are a first-class group on and off the track. Although 5-hour ENERGY has made the business decision to leave NASCAR, we will be fans and friends for life, and we look forward to finishing strong in 2018.”
5-Hour ENERGY joined Furniture Row Racing in 2017 as the primary sponsor for Erik Jones, who drove the No. 77 for the organization. They served as an associate sponsor of the No. 78 during the championship winning season.
This announcement comes as Furniture Row Racing and Truex are negotiating a contract extension.